Casper Drinking Water Deemed Safe After Contamination Concerns

Casper drinking water has been deemed safe after dead mice were found in a water tank on Monday, prompting tests for possible contamination.

"We immediately notified the Environmental Protection Agency and collected water quality samples from both the tank and the distribution system," said Andrew Beamer, director of the city's public services department, in a statement from the City Manager's Office.

After the dead mice were found, the water tank was isolated from the water system. According to the City's statement, the tank will remain isolated until precautionary work is completed.

"The water samples were submitted to an outside laboratory for analysis, and all samples tested negative for contamination," Beamer continued. The samples, Beamer said, indicated that the water is safe to drink.

"In this particular tank, we have a high disinfection residual, and though the samples tell us the water is safe to drink, we are in the process of draining, cleaning, and disinfecting the tank," Beamer added. "We have also repaired the seal between the roof and tank where we found holes that made it possible for the mice to intrude."

The tank will be returned to service once additional precautionary measures are implemented, likely early next week.

The EPA says there is no need for residents to use an alternate water supply.

The Agency reminds people that contaminated water may cause diarrhea, cramps, nausea, headaches and other symptoms. Those could pose a special health risk to infants, young children and people with severely compromised immune systems.

Such symptoms are not caused only by organisms in drinking water, and the EPA says people at an increased risk who show persistent symptoms should seek advice from their health care providers.